What is a “Velcro cat”?
“Velcro cat” is a term describing an extra clingy cat. These cats are sometimes called “velcro cats” because of the way they stick to their owners (like velcro) and give much more affection and attention than the average cat. Whereas cats are often described as aloof and independent, velcro cats follow their owners around and always want to be with them. Still, while it often feels great to have a loving cat, keep in mind that there’s a difference between friendly behavior and over-the-top clinginess.
Is being a “Velcro cat” good?
Having a Velcro cat can be good, but it can also be an issue. If you want a loyal shadow and like your cat’s affectionate behavior, then odds are you’re a great match for each other! However, it’s a good idea to ensure your cat’s behavior is just affection and not caused by problems like health issues or lack of enrichment. And, if your cat’s clinginess worries you, it may be time to consult a vet. Basically, a Velcro cat with no other health issues or stressors can be a fantastic companion! But, if their clinginess is associated with ongoing problems, it should be addressed.
Signs You Have a Velcro Cat
They follow you everywhere. Does your cat rush to follow you whenever you walk around or get upset when they can’t get into the room you’re in? Do they try following you even when you’re going to the bathroom? Do you watch where you walk because you’re so used to tripping over them? Velcro cats form deep attachments and get a sense of security from being near you. Normal behavior: A non-clingy cat may still seek you out but is usually comfortable being alone.
They cuddle up with you constantly. Anytime you sit down, a velcro cat will try to sit on your lap or curl up next to you, as close as possible. They may even demand to follow you to bed (and sleep there with you all night). Cuddling is a sign of trust and a strong bond between you and your cat, but a cat that does it nonstop might be overly attached. Normal behavior: Non-clingy cats may cuddle sometimes but also feel comfortable sleeping in their own beds and sitting away from you.
They’ll do anything to get your attention. Velcro cats will vocalize excessively, headbutt you and rub up against you, or find other ways to get your attention—no matter what. They might even sit on whatever you’re using (like a book or laptop) or do things they aren’t supposed to do, like knock things over, bite objects, or scratch furniture because they know it’ll get your attention. Normal behavior: Non-clingy cats can play by themselves while you’re busy and usually only try to get your attention by rubbing or headbutting when they’re hungry.
They groom you and demand to be petted or picked up. Some velcro cats may knead you or try grooming you while you’re sitting together. They may also nudge, paw, or rub up against you while demanding to be petted or picked up. While this behavior can express affection, it may also show your cat’s excessive need for attention if they do it all the time. Normal behavior: Non-clingy cats may still lick, knead, or groom you to show affection—they just do it sometimes as opposed to constantly.
They stare at you and get anxious when you leave. Velcro cats may stare at you all the time when you’re around. They may also have separation anxiety when you leave home, whether you’re going to work, school, or running errands. This can lead to acting out while you’re gone, scratching furniture, knocking things over, or doing other things they’re normally not supposed to do. Normal behavior: Non-clingy cats don’t usually stare, and they’re comfortable with being alone when you leave home.
They have trouble eating when you’re not there. This isn’t a problem all velcro cats have, but sometimes, you may notice that your cat will refuse to eat or drink unless you’re at home—or, in some cases, nearby in the same room. This can be because your cat feels safer when you’re there and needs your presence for security. Normal behavior: Non-clingy cats are happy to eat whenever they’re hungry, even when you leave the room (or the house).
What causes Velcro behavior?
Cats may be clingy for several possible reasons. The first thing to rule out is a medical issue of some kind; since cats can’t tell you when they’re not feeling well, they might try communicating through “velcro” behavior. However, if your vet has determined that there’s nothing medically wrong with your cat, here are a few other causes of clinginess: They’re getting less attention than usual. If you aren’t spending as much time with your cat as you used to (whether because of schedule changes, work, or some other reason), your cat may just be trying to get that time with you again. Their routine has changed. Any significant transitions or changes to a cat’s routine—like you suddenly working from home or traveling and hiring a sitter for your cat—can cause them to get clingier around you. Their environment has changed. If there’s a new pet or person in the house, or you’ve made changes to the house itself (or even moved), your cat may get anxious and go to you for attention and comfort. They’re bored. If your cat doesn’t have enough enrichment around the house, they may get bored and go to you for entertainment instead. They were separated from their mother too early. Cats separated from their mothers early may develop separation anxiety and bond very strongly with you, which can interfere with their sense of security and independence.
How to Help a Velcro Cat
Figure out what’s causing your cat to be a “velcro” cat. Think about potential causes of clinginess and whether any of them might apply to your cat. Cats are super sensitive to change, so even things you don’t think are significant could be causing your cat stress—like you being gone more or changing up the furniture at home.
Talk to the vet about health issues and separation anxiety. It may give you peace of mind to eliminate any health issues, especially if you’ve noticed other signs that something might be wrong or suspect your cat is suffering from a particular ailment. So, schedule a checkup with their vet and tell them about your cat’s behavior. The vet may determine your cat has separation anxiety or something else.
Give your cat plenty of toys and enrichment. If your Velcro cat is bored or anxious, an enriching environment can help! Find ways to give them some extra physical and mental stimulation, such as toys that allow for independent play, food puzzles, or cat trees that give your cat a great view of the outside (and all the different critters there). For example, you could try hiding treats around the house to send your Velcro kitty on a scavenger hunt or give them a toy filled with catnip that they can play around with. If you only have one cat, consider adopting a second to keep your kitty company (if you have the means).
Set and enforce boundaries with your Velcro cat. Close doors behind you when don’t want your cat to follow you somewhere. If they start scratching the door or meowing, don’t give in. Similarly, don’t make eye contact or pet them when they start meowing for attention. Keep doing what you’re doing, then interact with them once they calm down and stop meowing at you to provide positive reinforcement. Your cat may get even more clingy or persistent at first, but stick to your guns. Leave the area when they get clingy, or calmly place them in another area without extra interaction. In time, they’ll learn that bad behavior won’t get your attention anymore and will stop doing it.
Velcro Cat Breeds
If you like the idea of a Velcro cat (minus any health or behavioral issues, of course), you may be interested in cat breeds with naturally friendly and affectionate tendencies! Certain breeds are called Velcro cats simply because they’re more inclined to get cozy with their humans rather than acting independent and aloof. These include: Ragdoll cats Burmese cats Sphynx cats Scottish fold cats American and British shorthairs Himalayan cats Persian cats Birman cats Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex, and Cornish Rex cats Siamese and Balinese cats Abyssinian cats Moggy cats (a general term for any mixed-breed cat!) Ocicats LaPerm cats
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